Owner’s manual
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Are all Craftsman mower blades the same?
No. Craftsman mower blades are not all the same; the correct blade depends on your exact tractor model (917273160), deck size, and the center-hole pattern that must match the mandrel star. Using the wrong blade can cause poor cutting, vibration, and unsafe operation.
What must match on model 917273160
For this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor, blade fit is determined by the deck and mandrel design, not just the brand name on the blade.
- Blade length (this model uses a 42-inch deck blade set)
- Center-hole pattern (must align with the mandrel star)
- Blade type (mulching vs high-lift for bagging/discharge)
- Blade condition (worn, bent, or loose blades reduce discharge quality)
- Correct installation orientation (trailing edge up toward the deck)
For the exact blade list and diagrams, use the 917273160 owner's manual.
Blade options listed for this model
The manual lists multiple 42-inch blade styles; choose based on how you mow.
| Blade style | Best for | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Mulching blade | Mulching only | Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 |
| High-lift blade | Bagging or stronger discharge | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 |
Why blade “sameness” matters
A blade that does not match the mandrel star and deck setup can install incorrectly or run out of balance. That leads to excessive vibration, uneven cut, and can damage the mower deck and spindle components.
Quick safety and install checks
Before servicing blades, follow the safety steps in the 917273160 owner's manual.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before working under the deck
- Confirm the center hole aligns with the mandrel star before tightening
- Install the blade with the trailing edge up toward the deck
- Tighten the blade bolt securely (the manual specifies 27 to 35 ft-lb)
- Replace a damaged blade bolt only with the approved type listed for the tractor
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell what year my Craftsman mower is?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273160, the year is determined from the product identification tag (model and serial number). We use the serial number and any date-of-manufacture info printed on that tag; the 917273160 owner's manual helps you confirm the correct tag location and identification details.
Where to find the identification tag on a riding mower
On Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the tag is commonly found in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
Write down the full serial number exactly as shown, including any letters.
How to interpret the serial number to get the year
Craftsman serial/date coding varies by manufacturer and production run, so the right approach is to look for an explicit date or a recognizable date block on the tag.
- Check for a printed DOM, MFG DATE, or similar field; that is the build date.
- If there is no separate date field, look for a 6-digit number block that resembles a date.
- A common date-style pattern you may see is MMDDYY (month, day, year).
Example date-style patterns (if shown on your tag)
| What you see on the tag | Common interpretation | Year you use |
|---|---|---|
| DOM: 07/12/94 | Month/Day/Year | 1994 |
| 071294 | MMDDYY | 1994 |
| MFG DATE: 03/11/05 | Month/Day/Year | 2005 |
Why it matters
The manufacture year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your 917273160, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and mandrel components that can change across production runs.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273160, a complete engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically runs about $260 to $1,800. The wide range comes from engine type, whether you replace related wear items, and local shop labor rates; plan on roughly 6 hours of labor for many riding mowers.
What drives the total price
- Engine cost (new vs. rebuilt, horsepower, shaft size, charging system)
- Labor time (removal, wiring, throttle/choke setup, belt and pulley alignment)
- Extra parts often replaced at the same time (belts, pulleys, wiring, battery)
- Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, damaged mounts, oil leaks)
- Shop rates in your area
Typical cost breakdown (what you are paying for)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,500+ | Biggest variable; depends on exact spec match |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often based on ~6 hours plus setup/testing |
| “While you’re in there” parts | $20 to $200 | Belts, hardware, wiring repairs |
Smart checks before you replace the engine
We recommend confirming the engine is truly the problem before investing in a swap.
- Verify the battery and cable connections are clean and tight
- Check the fuse and wiring for damage
- Inspect the starter/solenoid if you hear clicking but no crank
- If it cranks but will not start, check fuel quality, fuel filter, and spark plug
- Make sure operator presence and interlock systems are working correctly (seat switch, brake, attachment clutch)
For model-specific procedures and safety interlock behavior, use the 917273160 owner’s manual.
Parts that commonly come up during an engine job
These are not “engine parts,” but they are frequent add-ons when a tractor is already apart:
- Ground drive belt 532140294 if the belt is cracked, glazed, or stretched
- Molded ignition key 532140403 if the original is worn or intermittent
- Blade and deck service items if the tractor has been vibrating or cutting poorly
Why it matters
An engine replacement can cost close to the value of an older riding mower. Confirming the no-start or no-crank cause first helps you avoid replacing an engine when the real issue is a battery, safety switch, fuel restriction, or starter circuit.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273160, we look up the model number by finding the identification label on the tractor, then using that exact number (all digits) to match the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts. The label is usually under the seat area.
Where to find the model number on Craftsman 917273160
Start with the most common ID-label locations:
- On the tractor frame directly under the seat (lift the seat)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area around the seat mounting points
- On a sticker or metal tag that also lists the serial number
For model-specific identification and documentation, use the 917273160 owner's manual.
How to use the model number to look up parts
Once you find 917273160, enter it exactly as shown when selecting parts. This prevents mismatches in deck components, belt routing, and electrical items.
Common part categories customers look up by model number include:
- Mower deck blades and mandrel parts
- Ground drive belt and pulleys
- Steering and wheel hardware
- Ignition and wiring components
Example part you may need if your key is missing: molded ignition key 532140403.
Model number vs. serial number (quick guide)
| Item | What we use it for | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Parts lookup and diagrams | 917273160 |
| Serial number | Production/run identification | Longer code, varies |
Why it matters
We use the model number to match the exact configuration your Craftsman tractor was built with. One digit off can pull up the wrong diagrams and lead to ordering blades, belts, or ignition parts that do not fit.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273160, the owner's manual lists a Kohler CV492 low-emission engine (type 27506). Use the engine model and type when ordering tune-up parts or looking up specifications in the 917273160 owner's manual.
Where to find the engine ID on your tractor
We recommend confirming the engine label on the engine shroud or valve cover so you match parts correctly.
- Look for a sticker or stamped tag that shows CV492 and the type number
- Record the model, type, and any spec numbers
- Match the engine ID before buying filters, spark plugs, or starter parts
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently and re-check the numbers
Common engine-related symptoms and what they point to
The manual troubleshooting chart ties several performance issues to basic maintenance items.
| Symptom | Common cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of power | Dirty air filter, low/dirty oil, stale fuel | Service air filter, change oil, refresh fuel |
| Excessive vibration | Worn/bent blade, bent mandrel | Inspect blades and mandrels |
| Uneven cut | Deck not level, buildup under deck | Level deck, clean underside |
Why it matters
Your tractor can share a model number with different production runs, but the engine model and type are the fastest way to ensure you get the right maintenance and repair parts for starting, fuel, and ignition systems.
Helpful DIY resource
If the starter clicks or the engine cranks but will not fire, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor covered on this page, the model number is 917.273160 (often written without the dot as 917273160). You can confirm it on the product ID label and in the 917273160 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
We recommend checking the tractor’s ID label first because it matches parts and diagrams exactly.
- Look under the seat area (seat pan or fender pan)
- Check the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Look near the rear fender or footrest area
- Match the label to the manual’s cover page
Model number formats you may see
The same Craftsman model can appear in two common formats.
| Format you see | What it means | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| With dot | Manual and some parts lists | 917.273160 |
| Without dot | Retail listings and some labels | 917273160 |
Why it matters
We use the model number to ensure you get the correct riding mower blades, ground drive belt, mandrel parts, and hardware for the 42-inch mower deck. Even small model-number differences can change deck components and belt routing.
Related parts that commonly depend on the exact model
If you are ordering deck parts for this 42-inch setup, these are model-sensitive items:
- Mower blades (mulching vs. high-lift)
- Mandrel shaft and mandrel housing
- Deck belt and ground drive belt routing
- Idler springs and pulleys
Last updated: February 2026
